Since Wegmans Food Markets first began the installation of the EnterpriseRx computer software system in its pharmacy departments about a year ago, the grocer has been able to offer "some really great new features" for customers, according to the weekly online column by Wegmans s.v.p. of consumer affairs Mary Ellen Burris.

The software's "most impressive" capability is that it can maintain a central profile for each customer, meaning that shoppers can have prescriptions refilled at any Wegmans store, not just the one where the prescription was first filled. As Burris points out, "Not only does this make it more convenient for you, but it also enhances your safety, because the pharmacist can screen for drug interactions or duplicate therapies for all the various medications you are taking, assuming you have all your scripts filled at Wegmans."

An additional safety feature noted by Burris is the use of bar code technology to cut down on the chance of human error when the pharmacist is selecting the particular medication to be dispensed.

Among the new Enterprise features to come are autofill, or the automatic refill of prescriptions without customers' having to request them; express payment; and a fully interactive patient profile able to be accessed online, said Burris.

The system is provided by Livonia, Mich.-based McKesson Pharmacy Systems.